Nikon D7000 Review

Resolution Chart Comparison (JPEG and RAW)

Images on this page are of our standard resolution chart which provides for measurement of resolution up to 4000 LPH (Lines Per Picture Height). A value of 20 equates to 2000 lines per picture height. For each camera we use the relevant prime lens (the same one we use for all the other tests in a particular review). The chart is shot at a full range of apertures and the sharpest image selected. Studio light, cameras set to aperture priority (optimum aperture selected), image parameters default. Exposure compensation set to deliver approximately 80% luminance in the white areas.

What we want to show here is how well the camera is able to resolve the detail in our standard test chart compared to the theoretical maximum resolution of the sensor, which for the charts we shoot is easy to work out - it's simply the number of vertical pixels (the chart shows the number of single lines per picture height, the theoretical limit is 1 line per pixel). Beyond this limit (when talking about line pairs usually referred to as the Nyquist frequency) the sensor cannot faithfully record image detail and aliasing occurs.

This limit is rarely attained, because the majority of sensors are fitted with anti-aliasing filters. Anti-aliasing filters are designed to reduce unpleasant moiré effects, but in doing so, they also reduce resolution (the relative strength and quality of these filters varies from camera to camera). In theory though, a sensor without an AA filter, when coupled with a 'perfect' lens, will deliver resolution equal to its Nyquist limit. Therefore, even though it may be effectively unattainable with normal equipment in normal shooting situations, an understanding of a sensor's theoretical limit provides a useful benchmark for best possible performance. Nyquist is indicated in these crops with a red line.

On this page we're looking at both JPEG and Raw resolution. For a (more) level playing field we convert the latter using Adobe Camera Raw. Because Adobe Camera Raw applies different levels of sharpening to different cameras (this confirmed) we use the following workflow for these conversions:

Load RAW file into Adobe Camera RAW (Auto mode disabled)

Set Sharpness to 0 (all other settings default)

Open file to Photoshop

Apply a Unsharp mask tuned to the camera, in this case 100%, Radius 0.6, Threshold 0

Save as a TIFF (for cropping) and as a JPEG quality 11 for download

JPEG (3648 x 2736) 2.9MB

RAW (3648 x 2736) 3.2MB

Vertical resolution

JPEG

RAW

Horizontal resolution

JPEG

RAW

There is a clear difference in detail resolution between the D7000's JPEG and RAW output. Whereas in the JPEG files, the D7000 cannot accurately describe the 9 lines on our test chart much beyond 2600LPH (roughly), the RAW file still shows all nine lines distinctly at 2600LPH, and they only begin to merge at around 2800LPH. This is still some way off the Nyquist limit (equal to the number of vertical pixels in the D7000's output - i.e. 3264LPH) but impressive nonetheless.

Also worthy of note is the fact that even beyond Nyquist, some line detail is still visible in the D7000's RAW file. Of course this isn't 'accurate', (and represents merely how good the camera's demosaicing algorithms are at 'guessing' what lies beyond Nyquist) but it enhances the impression of fine detail. At the same point on our chart the JPEG file shows only a monotone gray mush. Comparing results from the D7000 against those from the Canon EOS 550D (which also boasts an 18MP sensor), there isn't a great deal between them in terms of absolute resolution. The Canon's JPEG files are slightly higher in contrast, which makes detail (at default settings) look slightly sharper, but this is the only significant difference.

Comments

I actually picked this camera up recently because there was a good deal. I didn't have any back-focusing issues, that some people brought up. But, was having trouble finding a great lens. I saw https://flutterlens.com/best-nikon-d7000-lens-reviews-comprehensive-guide/ had some info about the Nikon 40mm f/2.8G Micro which I ended up getting and am very much enjoying, even though the camera is fairly old.

I recently upgraded or downgraded "depending on how you look at it" from the D3200 to the D7000. Although I lost MP, I gained a lot more features. My first D7000 had serious focus, back focus, and pixel issues. After contacting the seller and receiving another one, I finally had a good one and was very pleased. Years ago I had a D5100 which is said to have the same sensor as the D7000, but I find the D7000 images to look much better. I would recommend the D7000 to anyone serious about photography but not able or willing to spend too much money. Be sure you use a good prime lenses like a Nikkor 35mm f1.8 or the 50mm f1.8. Otherwise you will be wasting your time and/or money.

It took me a while to get juse to the d7000 the ergonomics are just fine only lighter body after my d200 which was outdated a long time ago on which i got great foto's only the colors are very different from my old d200 which i liked a lot never thought about the 10 mp

Very subjective to speak to responsiveness as it depends greatly on the skill of the photographer, subject matter, time of day/night, etc. However, the Canon 60D and other Canon products are quick, but they have far less keepers as the AF module is not as accurate as the Nikon family of DSLR’s.

I think that this camera takes exceptional photos, I chose this model over the newer D3200 just for the additional photo taking features rather than the new user features. Kit lens is great for beginners and takes decent photos.

As an upgrade to the D80 , the D7000 is a definite improvement , but build quality is still lacking , next to say, the D300S .

That being sad , the camera handles well ,even if the video function is still an option I scorn .

The main problem I have, is the slow flash sync speed with my SB 600 flashgun - a pathetic 1/60 sec .To utilise the full potential of the D7000 , I need to upgrade my flash gun - not easy when finances are tight .

More about gear in this article

People become interested in photography in many different ways, and at different stages of life. Some are hooked early on, while others discover the joy of making photos much later. For Kira Morris, it was the isolation and natural beauty of life in Antarctica that inspired her to take up photography. Read more

Like many of our site readers, Rajesh Bhattacharjee is a self-taught photographer who connected with other photographers online and in person to help improve his craft. He's a keen traveler, spending his free time in National Parks pursuing great landscapes. Based on his portfolio, we'd say he's found more than a few. Take a look at his images and read more in our Q&A. See gallery

Nikon has posted a firmware update for its D7000 digital SLR. Firmware v1.02 brings a host of bug fixes and improvements relating to noise reduction, movie playback and editing, and RAW processing with Capture NX 2 or ViewNX 2. The firmware is available for immediate download from the company's website.

Nikon has released the promised firmware update for it's Nikon D7000
digital SLR in response to concerns raised about video.
Firmware v1.01 aims to reduce the occasional occurrence of bright spots while recording videos or in the live view mode. The firmware is available for immediate download from the company's website.

Just Posted: Our review of Nikon's D7000 mid-range DSLR. Nikon surprised many people by pushing its enthusiast DSLR distinctly up-market just as Canon was doing the opposite with its 60D. The result is such a highly specified camera that it's generated almost as much interest from existing and would-be D300S customers as from the traditional D90 audience. So, after our usual in-depth testing and real-world use, what do its 16 megapixels, 39 AF points, 6 frames per second and 14-bit RAW add up to? Read our full review of the Nikon D7000 to find out.

Latest in-depth reviews

The Leica Q2 is an impressively capable fixed-lens, full-frame camera with a 47MP sensor and a sharp, stabilized 28mm F1.7 Summilux lens. It's styled like a traditional Leica M rangefinder and brings a host of updates to the hugely popular original Leica Q (Typ 116) that was launched in 2015.

The Edelkrone DollyONE is an app-controlled, motorized flat surface camera dolly. The FlexTILT Head 2 is a lightweight head that extends, tilts and pans. They aren't cheap, but when combined these two products provide easy camera mounting, re-positioning and movement either for video work or time lapse photography.

Are you searching for the best image quality in the smallest package? Well, the GR III has a modern 24MP APS-C sensor paired with an incredibly sharp lens and fits into a shirt pocket. But it's not without its caveats, so read our full review to get the low-down on Ricoh's powerful new compact.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X is the ultimate sports, action and wildlife camera for professional Micro Four Thirds users. However, it can't quite match the level of AF reliability offered by its full frame competitors.

Latest buying guides

What's the best camera for under $500? These entry level cameras should be easy to use, offer good image quality and easily connect with a smartphone for sharing. In this buying guide we've rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing less than $500 and recommended the best.

What’s the best camera costing over $2000? The best high-end camera costing more than $2000 should have plenty of resolution, exceptional build quality, good 4K video capture and top-notch autofocus for advanced and professional users. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing over $2000 and recommended the best.

What's the best camera for shooting sports and action? Fast continuous shooting, reliable autofocus and great battery life are just three of the most important factors. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for shooting sports and action, and recommended the best.

What’s the best camera for less than $1000? The best cameras for under $1000 should have good ergonomics and controls, great image quality and be capture high-quality video. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing under $1000 and recommended the best.

If you're looking for a high-quality camera, you don't need to spend a ton of cash, nor do you need to buy the latest and greatest new product on the market. In our latest buying guide we've selected some cameras that while they're a bit older, still offer a lot of bang for the buck.

We've updated our waterproof camera buying guide with the latest round of rugged compacts, and we've crowned a new winner as the best pick in the category: the Olympus TG-6. That is, unless you happen to find a good deal on the TG-5.

Researchers with the Samsung AI Center in Moscow and the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology have created a system that transforms still images into talking portraits with as little as a single image.

K&R Photographics, a camera store in Crescent Springs, Kentucky, was robbed by armed men, who not only took thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment, but also injured the 70-year-old co-owner of the store.

The new Fujifilm GFX 100 boasts some impressive specifications, including 100MP, in-body stabilization and 4K video. But what's it like to shoot with? Senior Editor Barnaby Britton found out on a recent trip to Florence, Italy.

It's here! The long-awaited next-generation Fujifilm GFX has been officially launched. Click through to learn more about the camera that Fujifilm is hoping will shake up the pro photography market - the GFX100.

We've known about the Fujifilm GFX 100 since last fall, but now it's official: this 102MP medium-format monster will be available at the end of June for $10,000. In addition to its incredible resolution, the camera also has in-body IS, a hybrid AF system, 4K video and a removable EVF.

According to DJI, any drone model weighing over 250 grams will have AirSense Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) receivers installed to help drone operators know when planes and helicopters are nearby.

Chris and Jordan are kicking off a new segment in which they make feature suggestions to manufacturers for the benefit of all photographer-kind. To start things off, they take a look at the humble USB-C port and everything it could be doing for us.

The Olympus TG-5 is one of our favorite waterproof cameras, and the company today introduced the TG-6, a relatively low-key update. New features include the addition of an anti-reflective coating on the sensor, a higher-res LCD, and more underwater and macro modes.

The Leica Q2 is an impressively capable fixed-lens, full-frame camera with a 47MP sensor and a sharp, stabilized 28mm F1.7 Summilux lens. It's styled like a traditional Leica M rangefinder and brings a host of updates to the hugely popular original Leica Q (Typ 116) that was launched in 2015.

We've been playing around with a prototype of the new Peak Design Travel Tripod and are impressed so far: it's incredibly compact, fast to deploy and stable enough for the heaviest bodies. However, the price may turn some away.